All too often, people set goals that don’t really matter to them or that are actually the goals that other people have for them. One of the main keys to success in goal setting is actually setting goals that you want for yourself, independent of what others think or feel. Let’s talk about how to set goals that matter for YOU!
The act of setting goals is important because it helps you to form new habits, guide your focus, and push you in a positive and forward-moving direction in life.
But it doesn’t matter if the goals that you set don’t mean anything to you.
One of the keys to successful goal setting is making sure that you are setting goals that are not only attainable but that are important and authentic to you – who you are today and who you see yourself becoming.
Goal setting is one of the best ways to get ahead in life, but only if you’re setting your goals effectively!
Have you found yourself setting goals and then quickly giving up and even forgetting about the goals that you set?
Are you trying for unattainable goals that you aren’t really passionate about?
It can be hard to remain accountable to yourself and the goals that you set for yourself if you are not setting goals that support the vision and dreams you have for YOUR life.
With the right strategies, you can set goals that really matter to you and meet them more easily than you thought to be possible.
One of the most important things is that your goals should be yours and not someone else’s or someone else’s goals for you, which let’s be clear, are two different things.
The goals that your parents, friends, and family members have for you may not be the same as the goals that you have for yourself.
The key here is that yours take priority.
What’s important to YOU?
Too many people set goals such as becoming rich, or writing a best-selling movie script or novel, or marrying someone who’s famous, wealthy, or otherwise important or influential.
If those are truly your dreams, there’s nothing wrong with them.
However, if they’re just the dreams that society has led you to believe are what you should dream – and not truly what you want for your life, then let them go.
And take some time to think about what really matters to you.
What do you want out of your life?
When you’re setting goals, stop and ask yourself, “What will bring me joy, leave me fulfilled, and experiencing true happiness?”
Your goals might include things like:
- Obtain a certification, degree, or some form of higher education
- Starting your own business
- Giving back ad philanthropy efforts
- Leading a healthier lifestyle
- Changing careers
- Establishing financial security for you and generations behind you
Need some inspiration for goal setting? Lifehack has a list of suggested goals to achieve for personal success you can check out.
No matter what goals you set or how many goals you have, you can reach them if you’re dedicated and committed to making them happen.
Achieving Goals That Really Matter & Making Your Dreams Come True
Once you’ve decided what you value, what really matters to you and you set goals that are in alignment with those values, you can begin to make them a reality in your life.
Although reaching your goals will take some work, watching them come to fruition is exciting and satisfying.
Here are a few tips to help you achieve goals that matter to you:
Keep your focus
Keep a picture of the life you desire at the forefront of your mind, and eyes too if needed. Put it on the home screen of your phone, hang it in your office or at your desk, or somewhere where you spend a lot of time.
When frivolous things try to distract you, as they will, remember to make choices according to what’s really important to you. And having it in front of you is a constant reminder.
Take action toward your goal every day
Each day, find something you can do that will bring you a little closer to meeting your goal.
Don’t get discouraged
When challenges arise, getting discouraged won’t change anything, so seek solutions that can put you back on track. Your confidence can ultimately impact your ability to achieve your goals.
Just stay focused and adjust your plans as necessary.
Be open to change
Your goals aren’t set in stone.
If you choose to change what you’re focused on and set a new goal, that doesn’t mean you’ve given up on your goals. It only means you’ve seen that your goals need to change, just as you change.
That’s a sign of growth and wisdom.
Changing your goals is not wrong. But if you are continually changing goals and not accomplishing anything that can be detrimental to your overall success.
It’s important that you are taking a serious inventory of what YOU want and then working toward that, and holding yourself accountable to complete the necessary steps to make overall progress.
Set realistic timelines
Some goals can be met in a day or a week, but bigger goals often take months or years. When you set goals, it’s important to be realistic about how long you expect them to take.
If it’s too far away, you might procrastinate, or you may not start at all. These tips can help you identify why you are procrastinating and overcome it.
If a goal is too soon, you may be frustrated and discouraged if you don’t make your deadline. It is important to take inventory of the progress and the small accomplishments towards the bigger goal. Those count too!
Divide your goal into small steps
Which brings me to my next point.
Another great way to reach your goals is to divide big goals into smaller ones. Each small goal is one step, or one task, on the way to achieving your ultimate goal.
Celebrate what feels like small steps. You will look back and see those small steps really do add up.
Set individual deadlines for the small steps.
This way, you’ll always be moving forward, one step at a time.
For example, if your goal is to own your own business, there are things you’ll need to look into before starting the business, like licensing, income, credit, location, and others. Doing the work toward each one of these tasks is one step forward toward the bigger ultimate goal.
Avoid giving up
Many people give up on their goals just before they reach them, not even realizing how close they were.
Never give up!
Adjust your focus if you need to, but more than likely, you may be closer than you think.
These strategies will enable you to not only reach your goals but also enjoy the journey along the way. Hopefully, all without getting overwhelmed!
Need help learning how to set goals that matter to you and for you?
Learn more about my coaching services offered to help hold you accountable and begin to accomplish the goals you set for yourself, and even your business.
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